The Flower Parade

The big day. The big parade. Funchal is celebrating and everyone is involved.

(I'm celebrating too. Forest have narrowly clambered to safety and will be in the Championship again next year. Big Madeira ice cream sundae naughtiness from sheer relief)

I'm watching most of the Parade on local television from the comfort of my hotel room. I finally got the answer to where the floats were assembling. Big row and lots of rumours about changes to the route.

I took lots of photos but nearly all before the floats set off. Roads closed. No buses. Funchal isn't at all disabled friendly, but individuals help. Getting back to base was hard. I've probably overdone it (again) but I'm so thrilled that I've been able to enjoy this magical event.

The blip is of a lovely family who were having a whale of a time. Extras - other pics